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Ashleigh Francis - CSC Young Professionals Spotlight

4 months 3 weeks ago
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Name: 

Ashleigh Francis

Position: Young Professionals Committee Member

What do you do for the IEEE Council of Superconductivity (CSC) YP committee?

As a member of the IEEE Council of Superconductivity (CSC) YP committee, I support the organization of community events for YP, volunteer at international workshops and conferences, and participate in outreach events. I particularly enjoyed being sponsored by CSC to spend a week visiting middle and high schools in Hawaii to present superconductivity demos like magnetic levitation and introduce electromagnetic and superconductivity fundamentals. 

Which aspect of the IEEE CSC do you find most beneficial to your career?

The networking aspect with other CSC committee members, both YP and senior members, has been very valuable for my career. I've been able to learn from others, create new career connections, and work collaborations.

What do you currently work on regarding Superconductivity?

I work at Commonwealth Fusion Systems, a company which utilizes superconducting magnet technology using HTS materials. My work involves understanding the properties of HTS, particularly as it applies to high field fusion magnets.

What ignited your interest in the field of superconductivity and your current area of focus?

I was first introduced to superconductivity in an undergraduate Modern Physics class where the professor did a live demo of magnetic levitation using a YBCO puck. I found it to be facinating, and reading more about it's potential for applications, particularly those in the energy sector such as fusion magnets, drew me to it. Shortly after I took a position as a laboratory assistant at the Applied Superconductivity Center at the NHMFL where I was introduced to many different superconductors and had the opportunity to take measurements on them using high field superconducting magnets. The more experience I gained, along with noticing the interesting and distinct properties of each superconducting material, the more I wanted to understand it more. This eventually culminated in pursuing my PhD studying high temperature superconductors.

In your opinion, what role can YP play in making a significant impact on advancing the field of superconductivity?

I think young professionals have a unique perspective and take creative approaches to research in superconductivity. They come into the field equipped with high impact skillsets that enable them to tackle the challenges in superconductivity. They are happy to push to the boundaries of what has worked in the past to step forward into the future of the field.

What are your favorite hobbies outside work?

I enjoy rock climbing, reading, learning new things about the world, and hanging with my dog.